Staying Focused

5 tips that will stop you from daydreaming during class

It sounds obvious, but it's incredibly important to get a good night's sleep before school. A well-rested body will improve your concentration and prevent dozing off during a dry topic. Avoiding all-nighters and late nights will boost your concentration in class the next day.

Schedule a bedtime that you'll stick to every night. Going to sleep at the same time each night will set your body on a sleep schedule. This will help your body relax and make you less tired in the morning. If you have trouble sleeping, check out these tips.

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2. Eat Right

Your mother was right: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. According to the National Food Service Management Institute at the University of Mississippi, students who ate breakfast did better on performance tests than students who didn't have breakfast.

It's not just eating that can help you perform better; it's what you eat that makes a difference. A study from the journal Physiology & Behavior in 2005 showed that eating high-fiber foods like oatmeal for breakfast can help your performance. Fruit, yogurt, and whole-grain pancakes are other great morning options. Studies on animals have also shown that blueberries improve memory. Be sure to grab some fresh blueberries before a test.

To end the midday slump, carry along healthy snacks like low-fat granola bars and nuts to fuel your brain and keep you energized. If you have trouble choosing healthy foods, check out the food pyramid.

3. Stop the Mess!

Backpack chaos and disorganized binders can be become a major distraction when trying to focus. Messes can take away from productive study time or your ability to concentrate during class.

Make sure you come to class prepared with the necessary materials and know where everything is. Additionally, keep your work space at home clean and organized. Organize papers in labeled folders, binders, or file cabinets. Toss away things you will no longer need. Knowing where your material is will make it easier to get down to business.

4. One at a Time

Scheduling your time is a skill that will come in handy not only with your schoolwork, but in your social life and career as well. As much as we take pride in our ability to multitask, it shouldn't become a habit. Reading a textbook, talking on Instant Messenger, and sitting in front of the TV simultaneously won't get the job done effectively. Schedule your time so that you perform only one task at a time. If you want to watch your favorite TV show, make an effort to do your homework beforehand instead of mindlessly skimming a chapter during commercials. Try making to-do lists or setting goals for the evening.

Taking breaks when studying will help you concentrate on your work. Try studying for 35 minutes, then taking a 15-minute break and coming back to your work. This will help you focus on your work rather than on other things around you. Taking a break will allow you to talk to a friend, check your e-mail, or take a short walk and then come back to your work refreshed. Having breaks will get those distractions out of your system and make your study sessions more effective.

5. Know Your "Focus Environment"

Ultimately, it comes down to you. Find out what helps you focus the best, and create your work space around your preferences. Some focus better when listening to classical music and some can't study sitting at a desk. Know what works and what doesn't. If the computer in your room distracts you, sit facing the opposite direction or do your work in the library.

In class, see what helps you focus. Maybe it's sitting away from your friends, or maybe it's drinking herbal tea. Discover the right environment and make it happen.